Armed attack on mosque imam in the US

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced at a press conference attended by many officials that Imam Sharif of "Masjid Muhammad" was killed by an unidentified gunman in the parking lot of the mosque, where he had arrived to lead the morning prayer.

Stephens II shared that the assailant fired multiple shots at Sharif near the mosque in the city of Newark, which primarily serves a Black Muslim congregation, and that the imam, who was taken into surgery at the Rutgers University hospital located directly across from the mosque, could not be saved despite all efforts.

Authorities stated that they do not yet know the motive for the incident; however, they emphasized that based on the evidence collected, the murder "does not point to a bias-motivated crime against Muslims or an act of domestic terrorism."

25 THOUSAND DOLLAR REWARD FOR ANYONE PROVIDING INFORMATION

Speaking at the press briefing, State Attorney General Matt Platkin said, "While we will bring these perpetrators to justice, there is nothing we can do to bring Imam Sharif back to his loved ones and his community. This wound will tragically never fully heal."

Platkin stated that authorities will bring to justice the suspect who caused the death of an American imam by firing multiple shots at him while he was inside his vehicle.

Noting that the news of this murder has increased fear and anxiety within the Muslim community, Platkin announced that a 25 thousand dollar reward will be given to anyone who shares information to help advance the investigation.

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage noted that Sharif had been serving as an imam at the same mosque for five years and had provided significant support to interfaith alliance activities in Newark.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also stated in his remarks regarding the attack, "At a time when the Muslim community is concerned about the rise of bias incidents and crimes, I want to provide assurance that we will do everything in our power to keep the Muslim community and people of all faiths safe, especially all residents near houses of worship."

News Source: AA